Update: Engine Room Fire Aboard Carnival Triumph

UPDATED February 13, 2013, 6:40 PM ET – More compensation is being given to guests on the disabled Carnival Triumph. Carnival announced today that each guest will receive $500 US Dollars per person.

Carnival’s already promised a full refund for this voyage, transportation expenses and reimbursement of all shipboard purchases during the voyage, with the exception of gift shop, art purchases and casino charges. Each passenger is also receiving a future cruise credit equal to the price of this sailing.

After suffering a debilitating engine room fire on Sunday and some tough conditions on board, the Carnival Triumph is being towed to Mobile, Alabama by three tug boats with a U.S. Coast Guard escort.

UPDATED February 13, 2013, 2:45 PM ET –

Carnival announced a third tugboat is en route to assist with the towing of the Carnival Triumph. The U.S. Coast Guard remains on the scene.

The line also announced the cancellation of an additional 12 voyages for the troubled ship – from February 21st through April 13th. Carnival had previously canceled sailings for February 11th and 16th after an engine room fire left the ship disabled on Sunday.

All guests on those bookings will receive a full refund on their cruise fare and non-refundable travel costs. They’ll also be reimbursed for pre-paid shore excursions, gratuities, and government fees and taxes. In addition, Carnival is offering a 25% discount on three- to five-day cruises or 15% on six- to seven day cruises.

Carnival Triumph is being towed into Mobile, Alabama and expected to arrive on Thursday. Carnival has mobilized approximately 200 people to be on the ground to assist guests upon arrival. Carnival Triumph normally operates four- and five-day cruises from Galveston, Texas.

UPDATED February 11, 2013, 10:10 PM ET –

Earlier on Monday evening, the first of two tugboats arrived to assist the Carnival Triumph. The tug’s been tied up to her and the second tug is expected to arrive very early Tuesday morning.

Carnival also announced the ship will be towed to Mobile, Alabama instead of Progreso, Mexico. Because of strong currents the ship drifted 90 miles north, making it nearly equidistant to both ports. To keep moving with the current and help ease the disembarkation process – especially for the nearly 900 guests on board without a passport – the line made the decision to tow the Carnival Triumph to Mobile.

Carnival Triumph is expected to arrive in Mobile on Thursday, roughly the same time it would have arrived in Progresso based on how far the ship drifted the last 2 days. All guests will be provided transportation once the ship reaches Mobile.

UPDATED February 11, 2013, 1:25 PM ET –

Still adrift 150 miles off the coast of Mexico, the Carnival Triumph remains without propulsion and operating on emergency power. US Coast Guard cutter Vigorous is currently on site and communicating with the stricken ship. Carnival Triumph is awaiting the arrival of two tugboats to begin the journey to Progreso, Mexico, where she’s expected to arrive late Wednesday.

Since the fire, the ship’s operated on emergency generator power. The technical team onboard successfully restored auxiliary power to some basic hotel functions. Public and cabin toilets are working in some sections of the ship, power’s been restored to a limited number of elevators, and power on Lido deck is providing hot coffee and limited hot food options.

A team of additional technical crew and guest service personnel are en route to the Carnival Triumph and are scheduled to arrive this evening. Last night, the Carnival Elation rendezvoused with her sister ship to service dinner and supply extra provisions. Carnival Legend is scheduled to repeat that service today.

UPDATED February 10, 2013, 9:15 PM ET –

After further examination, the technical crew on the Carnival Triumph determined the ship needs to be towed into port. The ship is currently without propulsion and operating on emergency generator power. The tugboat already in route to the disabled ship will tow it into Progreso, Mexico, the closest port to the ship’s current location.

Carnival Triumph is expected into port on Wednesday afternoon. Guests will be disembarked and flown back to the United States from Progreso.

Carnival also dispatched the Carnival Elation to offer assistance to her sister ship. The Carnival Elation is currently on scene and transferring additional food and beverage provisions to the Carnival Triumph.

Carnival Triumph’s next two sailings – Monday, February 11th and Saturday, February 16th – have been officially canceled. Carnival is reaching out to those guests impacted by this decision and offering a full refund, reimbursement for non-refundable travel expenses and a 25 percent discount on a future three to five-day cruise.

All guests currently on board will receive a full refund of the cruise, along with transportation expenses. In addition, they’ll receive a future cruise credit equal to the amount paid for this voyage, as well as reimbursement of all shipboard purchases during the voyage, with the exception of gift shop and casino charges.

By Sarah Phillips: Carnival Triumph is currently operating on emergency power after a fire this morning in the aft engine room while sailing approximately 150 miles off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. The fire was extinguished by the ship’s automatic fire extinguishing systems and Carnival is reporting no casualties or injuries to crew or passengers. The ship also lost propulsion as a result of the fire.

The ship’s technical crews are working to restore power. Carnival’s notified the appropriate authorities, including the US Coast Guard and dispatched a tug boat to the liner in the event it’s needed.

On a 4-day sailing from Galveston that left last Thursday, the ship was due back in port Monday morning. All 3,143 guests are hanging out in the public areas and open decks and being provided with food and refreshments.

All current guests on board will be refunded for the cost of the cruise, including gratuities and transportation expenses. Guests scheduled to sail tomorrow have already been contacted by Carnival and can either receive a full refund for their sailing or wait for further info to see if a shortened, partial voyage is possible.

Carnival has already contacted the emergency contacts listed for all guests on board. If you have a loved on board, you can call Carnival at 1-888-290-5095 or 305-406-5534.